Frontlines: 'Last chance' for Hamas

NewsNation National Correspondent Robert Sherman has found himself on the frontlines of some of the world's biggest stories: from Ukraine to Israel and across the U.S. He shares what he's seeing on the ground.

'Last chance' for Hamas

Shabbat Shalom from Tel Aviv.

Before diving into this highly pivotal moment in the Middle East, I wanted to give an update on my book project, "Lessons From the Front," which will hit shelves on December 11.

I'm pleased to share an official endorsement of the book from U.S. Air Force Brigadier General (ret) John "Dragon" Teichert, who writes: "Robert Sherman's insights from the Ukrainian and Israeli front lines are stunning — as a war reporter he is the best there is! His gripping ability to tell a story in the most consequential and challenging of circumstances comes to life in these pages, creating a book that readers won't be able to put down while chronicling world-changing history that will stand the test of time!"

A very special thank you to General Teichert for his kind words. To pre-order my book, you can do so through Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Bloomsbury. In the coming days, I will be active on Goodreads as well, and you can follow along there. Stay tuned!

Now, to the situation in the Middle East.

Since Monday, people around the region have been wondering when Hamas will respond to the Gaza peace plan announced at the White House on Monday alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Today, President Trump gave the group a formal deadline of Sunday at 6 pm Eastern Time to give an answer.

"We will have PEACE in the Middle East one way or the other. The violence and bloodshed will stop," the President wrote on Truth Social. "RELEASES (sic) THE HOSTAGES, ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING THE BODIES OF THOSE THAT ARE DEAD, NOW! An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time. Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas."

Additionally, the President told civilians inside Gaza City to leave immediately, and that he was standing by ready to give Israel the green light to go in full bore.

Israel has said this week they intend to take the President up on that if it comes to military action.

"This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas terrorists isolated in Gaza City itself, facing the IDF's ongoing operations at full force," Israel's Minister of Defense Israel Katz said on X. "Those who remain in Gaza will be considered terrorists and terror supporters."

People on the ground here have a mix of emotions. On the one hand, they are skeptical since so many deals have come close only to fall apart.

But on the other hand, there is widespread recognition that this moment seems different. There is pressure on Hamas coming from all different directions, including Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.

Even Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for the White House's plan.

"Maybe this will be unexpected for you, but in general, Russia is ready to support it," the Russian leader said during a speech.

Still, negotiators say more work may need to be done.

"There are a lot of holes that need to be filled; we need more discussions on how to implement it, especially on two important issues — governance and security arrangements," Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said. "We are supportive of the Trump plan and the vision to end war and need to move forward."

Hamas this week has said they take issue with the lack of security guarantees that would protect them from more Israeli military action should they give back all the hostages. They've also expressed concern about losing governance.

But, assuming President Trump makes good on his threat, it appears as though we have entered "take it or leave it" territory.